Well, it’s an odd-numbered year, so the Texas Legislature is once again in Austin to do the people’s business. This being my first session working for the Texas Association of REALTORS®, I was not sure what our association’s role was in the grander scheme of things. So several months ago, I started to look at our agenda for the upcoming session.  Gas taxes, water rights, water infrastructure, eminent domain, windstorm insurance, and property-tax appraisal caps are some of the more notable issues that TAR will be fighting.

The association isn’t tackling these matters for the direct benefit of its members, but rather on behalf of all Texans. Obviously, as a professional membership organization, we do look out for the best interests of our members. But that’s part of what makes this such an enjoyable place to work: What’s good for Texas REALTORS® aligns perfectly with what’s good for private-property owners across the state.

I see the connection between property owners and the Texas Association of REALTORS® as analogous to a relationship between siblings. Think of TAR as an older brother or sister. As you may know—especially if you’re an oldest child like I am—the big brother or sister must constantly fight for every inch. That’s true whether dealing with curfews, spending the night at a friend’s house, and especially when it comes to at what age we can start driving. I felt I was the one breaking my back building the train track across the country so that my siblings could take a first class rail car to their destination. Granted, my reasons for fighting these battles were not simply altruistic. I enjoyed the fruits of my labor, too, but my brother and sisters certainly benefited without having to join fully in my struggles.